About
Camps offers nature-themed sessions where children take part in nature hikes, games, crafts, exploration, and discovery. Each camp includes these activities as part of its regular programming. Nature camps are offered at Hoover Forest Preserve, and an Equestrian Camp is offered at Ellis House and Equestrian Center.
• Schedule: How to register: families fill out and return the required forms and payment, and a child’s spot is reserved when all forms and payment are received.
The mission of the Kendall County Forest Preserve District, which runs these camps, is to acquire, preserve, and manage natural areas and open spaces, provide environmental education, and offer recreational opportunities for Kendall County residents. The District’s leadership team includes Antoinette White, Executive Director; Julia Granholm, Executive Assistant; Stefanie Wiencke, Environmental Education and Public Outreach Division Manager; Jessica Vosburgh, Early Learning Program Specialist; Kimberly Adams, Environmental Education Coordinator; Marty Vick, Ellis Farm Manager; Irene Sommers, Equestrian Coordinator Assistant; and Kris Mondrella, Therapeutic Riding Program Director. In 2023, the District received a $600,000 Illinois Department of Natural Resources – Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant to complete preserve master plan improvements, including a three-season education and interpretive center.
The Forest Foundation of Kendall County, established in 2006 as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt public foundation, operates independently to promote public awareness of the facilities, programs, services, and goals of the Kendall County Forest Preserve District and supports the District’s mission. Its Memorial Program directly supports the District’s efforts to conserve local wildlife and connect people to nature. Volunteers assist with management and restoration of natural areas, monitoring of trails and wildlife, education programs, and events at Ellis House and Equestrian Center and at the Forest Foundation’s Annual Fall Fest at Hoover Forest Preserve, and corporate workday opportunities are available subject to schedule and staff availability.
Acquisition of Subat Forest Preserve was completed in 2002 under three separate grant awards from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, with additional support from The Conservation Foundation, and generous donations from the estates of John and Mary Subat support construction of a nature preserve building in memory of Mary M. Subat. The Mary M. Subat Nature Center will feature an interpretive pavilion with open-air conservation exhibits, a wetland boardwalk, trail connections to Hoover Forest Preserve, expanded parking for visitors and school buses, and other campus improvements, with construction expected to be completed in early 2026. Fox River Bluffs features a small parking lot, a restored prairie and oak reforestation project, and a 1-mile trail loop and spur, and it was opened in 2023. In 2023, the District was awarded a $600,000 Illinois Department of Natural Resources – Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant, and in February 2024, the Board of Commissioners approved plans for a trail extending from the northeast corner of Hoover Forest Preserve at the Eldamain Road Bridge to Fox River Bluffs Forest Preserve, with the Trail Connection Project, an underpass, a three-quarter mile trail connection and loop, connecting turf trails into the bluff areas, and ADA accessible trail connections expected to be completed in early 2026.
Last updated January 10, 2026.
• Schedule: How to register: families fill out and return the required forms and payment, and a child’s spot is reserved when all forms and payment are received.
The mission of the Kendall County Forest Preserve District, which runs these camps, is to acquire, preserve, and manage natural areas and open spaces, provide environmental education, and offer recreational opportunities for Kendall County residents. The District’s leadership team includes Antoinette White, Executive Director; Julia Granholm, Executive Assistant; Stefanie Wiencke, Environmental Education and Public Outreach Division Manager; Jessica Vosburgh, Early Learning Program Specialist; Kimberly Adams, Environmental Education Coordinator; Marty Vick, Ellis Farm Manager; Irene Sommers, Equestrian Coordinator Assistant; and Kris Mondrella, Therapeutic Riding Program Director. In 2023, the District received a $600,000 Illinois Department of Natural Resources – Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant to complete preserve master plan improvements, including a three-season education and interpretive center.
The Forest Foundation of Kendall County, established in 2006 as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt public foundation, operates independently to promote public awareness of the facilities, programs, services, and goals of the Kendall County Forest Preserve District and supports the District’s mission. Its Memorial Program directly supports the District’s efforts to conserve local wildlife and connect people to nature. Volunteers assist with management and restoration of natural areas, monitoring of trails and wildlife, education programs, and events at Ellis House and Equestrian Center and at the Forest Foundation’s Annual Fall Fest at Hoover Forest Preserve, and corporate workday opportunities are available subject to schedule and staff availability.
Acquisition of Subat Forest Preserve was completed in 2002 under three separate grant awards from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, with additional support from The Conservation Foundation, and generous donations from the estates of John and Mary Subat support construction of a nature preserve building in memory of Mary M. Subat. The Mary M. Subat Nature Center will feature an interpretive pavilion with open-air conservation exhibits, a wetland boardwalk, trail connections to Hoover Forest Preserve, expanded parking for visitors and school buses, and other campus improvements, with construction expected to be completed in early 2026. Fox River Bluffs features a small parking lot, a restored prairie and oak reforestation project, and a 1-mile trail loop and spur, and it was opened in 2023. In 2023, the District was awarded a $600,000 Illinois Department of Natural Resources – Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant, and in February 2024, the Board of Commissioners approved plans for a trail extending from the northeast corner of Hoover Forest Preserve at the Eldamain Road Bridge to Fox River Bluffs Forest Preserve, with the Trail Connection Project, an underpass, a three-quarter mile trail connection and loop, connecting turf trails into the bluff areas, and ADA accessible trail connections expected to be completed in early 2026.
Last updated January 10, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.